Young farmer takes on the family secrets

Wide Bay Rural Weekly has kicked off a new series, Growing Our Future, which aims to highlight some of our region's young farmers and ag workers who are leading the industry - and the food we eat - into the future. First up is Redridge Farms' Ash Emerick, 23.

ON THE drive south from Bundaberg to Childers, it is hard to miss the figs on Redridge farm at Alloway.

They are not like your typical rambling wild fig trees.

The Emerick family keeps them neatly trimmed in tight rows and tightly controlled conditions to keep supply of the sweet, soft fruit going all year round.

"We've gone the high density option to try and fit more in," farmer Ash Emerick explains to foodies who have come for a tour of the property.

"We grow them in the greenhouse during winter and every year we replace those trees."

Inside the modified hothouse lies the secret to the success of Forbidden Figs, the farm's premium brand, which feeds demand for the highly perishable fruit through the winter months.